Doors open at 6, speakers at 7:30. Hugo Chavez, during fourteen years as president of Venezuela, led a social movement that reduced poverty by half, eradicated illiteracy, empowered the grassroots, and posited 21st century socialism as an alternative to the existing world order. For these accomplishments, Chavez was relentlessly attacked by the US before his death on March 5, and has been even more vociferously demonized since. Roger Harris will present a PowerPoint on the Task Force on the Americas’ delegation that observed the election of Chavez’s chosen candidate and the ongoing efforts by the US to destabilize the new government and bury the legacy of the movement that continues in his name. Martin Sanchez, former Consul General of Venezuela in San Francisco and social media activist, will update us on the latest developments in Venezuela. We will explore first hand how the social movements are advancing under the new leadership of President Maduro, who has not only inherited the Chavista mantle, but some deep challenges requiring solutions, including shortages, inefficiencies, inflation, and crime. Refreshments will be served.